The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain, stands as an iconic and highly-regarded luxury resort, frequently praised for its stunning architecture, impeccable service, and world-class amenities. Selected as a Michelin Key property, it consistently delivers an exceptional experience for its guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is overwhelmingly positive, often described with terms like "exceptional," "amazing," and "a true gem." Guests frequently report that the hotel exceeds expectations, calling it a "fairy tale" experience. Its recognition as a Michelin Key Selected property further solidifies its standing as a top-tier luxury destination.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the resort:

• Moorish-inspired Architecture & Design: The "hulking red ochre Moorish-inspired citadel" is iconic, blending effortlessly with the subtropical vegetation and ocean views.
• Lush Gardens & Panoramic Views: Nestled on a cliff in Guía de Isora, the resort offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Teide, and the island of La Gomera, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and banana plantations.
• Extensive Pool Network: The resort boasts seven outdoor swimming pools, including a large lagoon pool, adults-only infinity pools (like the one at El Mirador), and dedicated villa pools, many of which are heated.
• Michelin-Starred Dining: A significant highlight is the resort's culinary excellence, featuring two Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Exceptional Service: Staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and professional, going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Secluded Beach Access: The hotel offers direct access to a semi-private, man-made beach with soft yellow sand, reached via a funicular or a resort train.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites, divided between the main Citadel building and the more exclusive Retreat villas, are noted for their spaciousness and comfort. They feature an elegant design inspired by earthy colors, the ocean's turquoise, and garden emeralds. Accommodations include large king-size beds with luxurious featherbeds and high-quality cotton sheets, Nespresso coffee machines, and complimentary bottled water. Marble bathrooms typically come with both a bathtub and a separate shower, along with Asprey toiletries. Daily turn-down service is also provided. While some reviews in the past noted the design could be "a little on the plain side" or "not the most trendy," significant refurbishments have been taking place, refreshing the rooms. Villa rooms, particularly in "The Retreat," often come with enhanced privacy, direct pool access, or spectacular sea views.

4. Dining Experience

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is renowned as an award-winning gastronomic destination, offering a diverse range of dining experiences.

• Michelin-Starred Restaurants:
  • M.B: Helmed by Spanish chef Martín Berasategui, this restaurant holds two Michelin stars and offers exquisite tasting menus. Children aged 6 and above are welcome.
  • Kabuki: With one Michelin star, Kabuki serves innovative Japanese fusion cuisine.
• Other Noteworthy Restaurants:
  • El Mirador: A Balinese-style restaurant offering fabulous local fish and exquisite seafood with stunning ocean views, especially recommended for sunset. Villa guests often have exclusive breakfast here.
  • Verona: An Italian restaurant with a rustic setting, serving fresh local ingredients.
  • 20/20 Steakhouse: A traditional steak restaurant featuring premium meats and a vast wine list.
  • Txoko: Offers traditional Spanish cuisine and tapas by Martín Berasategui.
• Breakfast: Generally described as "extraordinary" and "impressive," with a huge variety and high-quality choices. Buffet breakfast is typically served at La Veranda, while villa guests may enjoy breakfast at the clifftop El Mirador with ocean views. Full and half-board culinary packages are available.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the "amazing staff and service" at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Reviewers frequently mention the "exceptional staff performance" and "impeccable" service, with staff being very friendly, helpful, and professional. The team is praised for anticipating needs, personalizing interactions, and ensuring a comfortable and pampered stay. The presence of a "Retreat Ambassador" for guests in the villa area further emphasizes personalized attention.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is situated in the tranquil enclave of Guía de Isora on Tenerife's southwest coast, approximately 40 minutes from Tenerife South Airport (TFS). It's an "oasis of tranquility" perched on a cliff, offering panoramic ocean, garden, or golf course views. While the immediate area is relatively isolated (nearest towns are about 15 minutes away by car), the resort itself is vast. Transportation within the expansive grounds is facilitated by golf buggies and a resort land train, which also takes guests to the exclusive beach. The hotel is committed to accessibility, offering spacious accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars, and ramped access to the pool.

7. Value & Pricing

As a 5-star luxury property and a Michelin Key selection, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama comes with a premium price tag. The average price per room is around $387, significantly higher than the average in Tenerife. However, many guests feel it offers "exceptional quality and service that exceeds expectations" and is "worth every penny" due to the unparalleled luxury and unforgettable experiences. Rates can vary, with some mentioning starting points around €200/night for the main building and €400/night for the Retreat area. Packages that include half or full board can provide good value, especially given the high quality of the dining options.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include:

• Resort Signage: Some guests have found the resort's signage to be less than ideal, making navigation challenging in the large complex.
• Room Aesthetics: While well-maintained, some older reviews noted that the room design in certain areas could appear "plain" or "not the most trendy," though renovations are addressing this.
• Beach Area Maintenance: One review mentioned that the wooden platforms and chairs at the beach could benefit from an upgrade and better cleaning.
• Poolside Service Proactivity: A few guests felt that service by the pools could be more proactive in taking orders.
• Spa Rules: Some found the spa session rules restrictive, impacting their ability to use the facilities freely.
• Drink Pricing: Drinks, especially at dinner, were noted by some as being quite expensive.

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